Artwork
Lady Mary Cornwallis (1769-1840), married Singleton
Lady Mary Cornwallis (1769-1840), married Singleton is a watercolor painting by the British Romanticist artist John Smart. It dates from 1797 and is held in the collection of the Nationalmuseum.
About this work
Overview
John Smart’s 1797 miniature portrays Lady Mary Cornwallis, later known as Mrs. Singleton, on a delicate ivory support. Executed in the late eighteenth century, the work exemplifies the intimate scale and refined finish typical of British portrait miniatures. It is part of the Nationalmuseum’s collection, where it remains on display as a representative example of the period’s private portraiture.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter, Lady Mary Cornwallus (1769‑1840), was a member of the British aristocracy who married a man named Singleton. The miniature captures her in a genteel pose, reflecting the social expectations of elegance and decorum placed upon women of her rank during the Romantic era. The portrait functions both as a personal likeness and as a marker of familial status.
Technique & Style
Smart employed the traditional ivory miniature technique, layering fine water‑based pigments to achieve luminous skin tones and subtle shading. His brushwork is precise, allowing for delicate rendering of facial features and attire. The composition aligns with the British Romantic aesthetic, favoring a soft, expressive quality while maintaining the restrained elegance of portraiture.
History & Provenance
Created in 1797, the miniature entered the Nationalmuseum’s holdings through acquisition in the twentieth century, though earlier ownership records are sparse. Its survival in good condition attests to the durability of ivory supports and the careful conservation practices applied by the museum.
Context
John Smart was a leading miniaturist of his day, working alongside contemporaries such as Richard Cosway. The popularity of miniature portraits in late‑eighteenth‑century Britain reflected a demand for portable, personal images that could be exchanged among relatives and friends, often serving as tokens of affection or remembrance.
Artist & collection
Artist
John Smart (1 May 1741 – 1 May 1811) was an English painter who specialised in portrait miniatures. He was a contemporary of Richard Cosway, George Engleheart, William Wood and Richard Crosse.
